Philip Streatfeild

Contents

Life & Career

Streatfeild was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on 1 January, 1894 and returned home. He was appointed to join the cruiser Raleigh on the Cape of Good Hope Station on 26 February, subsequently being made flag lieutenant in July. In September 1894, Streatfeild was engaged in action against Nana Olomu, Chief of Benin. In February 1895, he would distinguish himself in the Brass River fighting. These exploits earned him the strong endorsement of Commander-in-Chief Admiral Bedford when he gave up command of the station in May.[1]

Streatfeild was promoted to the rank of Commander on 31 August, 1903.[2]

Streatfeild was promoted to the rank of Captain on 14 July, 1908.[3] Unusually for a line officer, to this point he had not commanded a ship.

Streatfeild finally broke this barrier when he was appointed in command of the first class protected cruiser Crescent in January, 1910.

On 20 July, 1913, Streatfeild was admitted to Chatham Hospital for a wound to his scalp. He was found fit on the 29th and was appointed as captain of the battleship H.M.S. Triumph in late August 1913. Streatfeild was invalided from command of Triumph in April, 1914. A telegram from Commander-in-Chief, China dated the 6th reported that it was due to arterio sclerosis, as Streatfeild's recent head injury had caused him to experience delirium tremens. Streatfeild was sent back to London by P. & O. Mongolia. Arriving home on 14 May, he was sent to Haslar. The First Sea Lord opined that symptoms of delirium tremens rendered Streatfeild unfit to command a ship. When he was declared fit on 3 June, Streatfeild was placed on the books of Victory and not immediately given an appointment.[4]

In late October, 1914, Streatfeild was appointed in command of the training establishment Impregnable. He remained so engaged until being appointed to command of the Hannibal on 8 September, 1915.[5]

Streatfeild was superseded in command of Hannibal on 26 August, 1918 but remained with the ship, additional, as Senior Naval Officer, Alexandria from that date.[6]

Post-War

Streatfeild ceased his work at Alexandria when the post was abolished on 1 March, 1919. His familiarity on the scene fostered his next opportunity, as he was appointed in command of His Highness the Sultan of Egypt's yacht, Mahroussa on 3 March, 1919. He was retired as a captain on 26 January, 1920 as he had not sufficient service to qualify for the rank of Rear-Admiral (retired).[7]

He returned to England on 19 May 1927, his contract with the Egyptian government having expired.[8]